International Union of Gospel Missions

When Jerry McAuley founded his rescue mission in October 1872,
he gave birth to an idea and a ministry that was to spread around the
world. Out of this humble but virile beginning came a number of missions
that, through their leaders, saw a need for an organization that would
foster “fellowship, cooperation with all engaged or interested in gospel
missions, and other rescue work throughout the United States and in
other lands, in the mutual advancement of the cause of our Lord Jesus
Christ.”

The International Union of Gospel Missions
(later called AGRM) was organized on September 17, 1913, in New York
City. Mr. Sidney Whittemore is credited as the father of the body. The
State of New York granted the rescue ministry leaders a certificate of
incorporation on October 14, 1913.

As the IUGM grew,
it devised a system of convenience for closer and more concentrated work
among its members by establishing local branches known as districts.
Today there are nine districts, each of which has elected
officers.